
Want more recommendations for your family?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration
Duplicity
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Clever, complex romantic thriller is too twisty for tweens.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Duplicity
Community Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Report this review
Not a movie for your teen or tween...
Report this review
What's the Story?
Mixing true romance and corporate espionage, director Tony Gilroy's DUPLICITY follows the dealings and double-dealings of former MI-6 agent Ray (Clive Owen) and his one-time lover, Claire (Julia Roberts), a former CIA spook. Each hatches a plan to use their spy skills in the private sector by working for rival consumer-goods corporations (think Procter & Gamble and Unilever) run by business nemeses Richard Garsik (Paul Giamatti) and Howard Tully (Tom Wilkinson). Ray and Claire's end game is to sell an extremely valuable top-secret formula to the highest bidder -- but, like the title implies, it's never clear who's gaming who.
Is It Any Good?
Reuniting Closer co-stars Roberts (who, as a mother of three, is incredibly picky about her roles now) and Owen is pure genius. They sizzle on both a cerebral and physical level, and their banter is a throwback to 1940s screwball comedies. Joining the irresistible pair are Giamatti and Wilkinson, both of whom are hilariously perfect as titans of industry. Giamatti's character is a charismatic, winner-take-all CEO, while Wilkinson's is a classy, Zen-master leader (he even writes with a fountain pen!).
Gilroy is clearly interested in America as a Corporatocracy. As in his debut film Michael Clayton, Gilroy again explores the evils that powerful companies are capable of -- but this time he also injects a heavy dose of romance and humor to balance out the suspense and drama. The result is an impressively crafted, topsy-turvy romantic thriller/drama/comedy that stars two pros at on-screen chemistry.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why caper/heist movies are so appealing, even when the characters are breaking the law. How do filmmakers get us rooting for the crooks?
How would you feel about people who do what the characters do in real life?
Do you think the idea of no-holds-barred corporate espionage is believable?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 20, 2009
- On DVD or streaming: August 25, 2009
- Cast: Clive Owen , Julia Roberts , Paul Giamatti
- Director: Tony Gilroy
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 123 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: language and some sexual content
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate